November activities surrounded holding in India along with the retaking of the Ellice island atolls.

The Indian front saw no enemy troop movements but significantly increased air attacks. New fighter groups were moved into the front area and the enemy shot down tally went up considerably. So far all the airbases are holding and are 95% or more operational. India continues to receive various reinforcements. Supply to India is excellent. The "R" type battleships are in Capetown finishing repairs. They forced back the coastal assault until enemy Bettys arrived in force. Now they are just waiting to retire. I have successfully used DDs and CLs to interrupt the supply line to Cox's Bazzar. Now, only a garrison force remains in place. A division size contingent is at Akyab. It was larger but a 10,000 man force moved inland to Mandalay two months ago.

First Raiders, Second Raiders, and Second Para's USMC took the three Ellice atolls back from the enemy. Only Funafuti offered token resistance. The path to Tarawa, Makin, Ocean, and Nauru is now open to attack.

Thus far all upgrades are finished. Two 2 carrier divisions are training at PH. Wasp is supporting the invasion off the Ellice islands. All carrier divisions have at least one fast battleship as escort as well as the 690 CLAAs. SWPAC is receiving the second major lift of personnel in early December (41st Inf Div and numerous SeeBees and other support units). The II Fighter CMD has been shuttling in planes for months now. The 5th Bomber Force is still in Eastern USA training and waiting for new planes.

Luganville and Noumea are large bases with Efate and Tanna (and Norfolk Island supported by AVPs) supporting the ASW effort. Broome is clobbered and I am rushing (marching actually) about 90 Engineers in three ENGR units across the desert. They are due to arrive in late January. I have a P40 squadron waiting to go in once the airfield is operable.

The KB remains at large. Radio intercepts indicate that it is hibernating somewhere, most likely the Home Islands. But it is much larger now with Junyo and Hiyo in service. So far it is Yorktown for Zuikaku. Advantage Japan. The good news, if there is any, is that Yorktown's air group survived and is in SF training. When Essex arrives a trained air group is waiting for it (That is months off yet).

Next month the F4U-1 Corsairs start arriving. That will free up F4Fs for the carriers. Three escort carriers with strike groups, not replacement squadrons, are due to arrive this month. In my first campaign I put them into use as strike forces. This time I will be holding them back to escort invasion groups to targets. The CVE replacement carriers will operate as support to fleet carrier operations.

My strategy this time is different. I am moving east to west. Baker island and now the Ellice have been retaken. Next is the Gilberts. Then the Marshalls. Then the canal and PM/Milne Bay.

I misspoke last time. Intel shows Lunga with 1 Div and parts of another, and numerous support units. That is why I have three Divisions preparing along with support units. As of now, Tassafaronga is unoccupied while a small but potent force is at Tulagi. Another reason I am waiting to go here is for some more carriers to arrive to support the operation. In the meantime I am considering investing Kirakira and building a small airbase. Same for Ndeni area. It may turn out that bypassing the Canal may be the better option. Munda is not occupied either.

PM is major enemy base. Milne Bay is likewise. One or the other has got to go, if not both. Mac has 5 divisions available in Aussie or enroute to be the spearhead.

India is in a holding pattern. I am moving more air transports to the area to ferry supplies to China. Enemy seems most interested in Kwelein ATM. Considering moving some fighters there. That was a successful move in my previous experience.

I am still preparing. So far I have only hit soft targets. I am not in any hurry. Expect to hit Tarawa, Makin, Ocean, and Nauru in March. Solomons not until late 43 or early 44. Same for PM et al. Marshalls in late summer 43. Main concern is the disposition of the KB. Until that is reduced, I am not going to rush into anything. A fleet in being and all that.

The KB remains at large. Radio intercepts indicate that it is hibernating somewhere, most likely the Home Islands. But it is much larger now with Junyo and Hiyo in service.

It would be of little surprise if Pillager's KB has more CV than I do. With a little prudence and good work with the Jap economy, a JFB has a few available CV's in the shipbuilding yards that can be completed and put into service ahead of schedule. I'm estimating Pillager has done that.

The carrier contest in this campaign has yet to happen and it's inevitable it will. Pillager's last KB sortie was one game turn short of being hit by the US carrier force. I was stalking and reached attack position undetected just before he withdrew the KB, If the KB stayed in position and launched one more carrier strike on Port Moresby, the US Main Carrier force would have been launching a simultaneous "all in" naval strike on Japanese flight decks.

For Pillager, that's his second near miss with the KB. The first in late 1942 on his last KB sortie off Auckland. Pillager had the KB carriers off Auckland, they failed to launch. If the Jap planes did launch, they would have found no Allied ships or planes in Auckland. In the meantime... 100+ land based US Marine SBD's plus other Allied bombers with all available fighter escort over the KB - not a single US carrier in the area. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on point of view), I had an overstacked airfield.

quote:

SWPAC is receiving the second major lift of personnel in early December (41st Inf Div and numerous SeeBees and other support units). The II Fighter CMD has been shuttling in planes for months now. The 5th Bomber Force is still in Eastern USA training and waiting for new planes.

A human Japanese opponent probably won't give you that much time. I had it (US 41 Division) arriving in the South Pacific in 6/42 and thought (at the time) even that soon could be too late.

quote:

My strategy this time is different. I am moving east to west. Baker island and now the Ellice have been retaken. Next is the Gilberts. Then the Marshalls.

We may have some notes to compare later on. It's appearing my main Allied axis of advance could be south to north into the rear of the Marshalls. My current projection includes pushing an Allied "lane" through the central/northern Marshalls, completely isolating Pillager's Japanese positions in the Gilberts and Ellice islands area. If this approach proves correct, Japanese control of the Gilberts and Ellice islands stops nothing.

While Pillager currently enjoys at least a quantitative Japanese advantage in the air over New Guinea, it’s quite possible a large portion of available IJA and IJN air resources in the South/SW Pacific area are being drawn into the air actions over New Guinea. This also includes the KB. The invasion and capture of Port Moresby is only the first half of a two pincer operation and the tip of a rather large iceberg. The current level of Japanese air activity over New Guinea is an inconvenience but likely a temporary one once the next stage of events is underway. In any case, Allied losses are vastly less than those taken in my previous adventure in Samoa during my last PBEM vs Pillager for basically an equivalent result to date.

Night airfield raids by USAAF 4E bombers on Buna and Lae. No US bombers lost, no verified reports of Japanese planes destroyed on the ground. Current plans are to keep Buna airfield out of operation, begin working to knock out Japanese air operations from Lae. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

USAAF 2E skip bombers hit Buna base hex – no hits, no runs, maybe an error or two. No reported hits scored on Japanese ships. AAR follows. There is the question of how many (or all) of the Japanese CAP fighters over Buna in the AAR below are actually LRCAP Pillager had flown in from Lae, this given the reported level of damage to Buna airfield. If so, these Jap planes are (1) being diverted from air strikes on Port Moresby and/or (2) Japanese CAP fighter protection over Lae base hex is diminished – either or both these developments of possible value in my calculations.

The Jap TF targeted in this attack is likely the same TF encountered by US sub Growler last game turn in the southern sea approach into Rabaul - all 4 Jap DD from last turn’s AAR with SS Growler also appear below.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, at Buna 99,129

At this time, all available cargo ships in the EX (Eastern US to Australia), WP (US West Coast to Central & South Pacific), CD (Capetown to India) and MX (Middle East to Australia) transport convoy systems remain in continuous operation. Turn-around operations (loading, unloading, repair, replenishment) continue to proceed at maximum speed in all convoy areas. The mainland US is almost completely emptied of all transferrable LCU suitable or needed for front line operations. A substantial reserve of US air squadrons currently involved with pilot training remain in the mainland US – most transferrable air units still in the mainland US with no withdrawal date will eventually ship out to forward theatre areas as “stockpiles” of fully trained pilots for various missions and commands in the Reserve pilot pools are adequately filled.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/16 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Coastwatcher report entries for 11/16 are listed below.

AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base follow. Japanese planes in these attacks are originating from multiple airfields. Most Jap fighters in the raids are probably based at Lae. My estimate has Jap bombers hitting Port Moresby from several locations – likely bases include Rabaul and Shortlands, also a base in the Madang area (probably Hansa Bay based on detected airfield size, also known presence of Jap base force LCU in Hansa Bay).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Fast transport convoy WP-109 (6 transports, 2 SC, 1 PF) arrives in Wellington from mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 39K supply and 2600 fuel, no air units or LCU. SC and PF with WP-109 have been detached for use in the South Pacific area.

India: Divisional LCU’s of rebuilt 9th and 11th Indian Divisions have now formed. Both divisions continue rebuilding to full TOE strength from replacements. Current strength levels of each division are at 65-70% full TOE. 9 and 11 Divisions started the campaign in Malaya, both divisions completely destroyed at Singapore.

Small night raid by USAAF 4E bombers on Buna airfield continued. Given the small number of CAP fighters reported over Buna, the airfield is not completely inoperable but inoperable enough to put some handicap on Pillager’s Jap air operations over New Guinea. Combat Events report entry and AAR’s follow.

6 x 22nd BG/408th BS B-24J Liberator stray due to night

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

Lae airfield is the next target of priority for USAAF bombing strikes to suppress Japanese air activity over Port Moresby and New Guinea. Night and daylight raids on Lae airfield by both 2E and 4E Allied bombers – intent of these strikes to render Lae airfield in the same condition as Buna. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

CAP engaged: 281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 4 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes 87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes 246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes 252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling) 4 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes Tainan Ku S-1/C with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes 3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 25000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes 6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes 78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 9000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes 248th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base follow. Japanese planes in these attacks are originating from multiple airfields. Most Jap fighters in the raids are probably based at Lae. My estimate has Jap bombers hitting Port Moresby from several locations – likely bases include Rabaul and Shortlands, also a base in the Madang area (probably Hansa Bay based on detected airfield size, also known presence of Jap base force LCU in Hansa Bay).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – no runway or airfield service damage, supply on hand 224K. One P-38F Lightning squadron transferred into Port Moresby last game turn, three P-38H squadrons (with drop tanks) now assigned to fly LRCAP over Port Moresby. Other Allied fighter squadrons are transferring into Port Moresby – with Japanese airfields at Buna and Lae out of action, it may now be possible to base and maintain Allied fighter CAP in Port Moresby.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

A handful of P-38 Lightnings on LRCAP (with drop tanks) over Port Moresby wasn’t going to handle that horde. Knocking out Buna and Lae airfields doesn’t end Jap air activity over Port Moresby but certainly makes it more manageable. An Allied victory in the air battles at Port Moresby wasn’t going to be won in the air over Port Moresby.

A second round of USAAF night and daylight bombing strikes on Lae airfield, primary objective of this game turn’s raid to finish disabling Lae airfield and destroy Jap planes stranded on the ground. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

CAP engaged: 252 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 4 plane(s) intercepting now. 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes 281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes 87th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes 246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes

AAR’s of latest Jap air attacks on Port Moresby base hex follow. Japanese planes in these attacks originate from multiple airfields. With the likely shutdown of most Japanese air activity from Buna and Lae, number and scale of Jap air strikes should considerably decrease. Pillager still has operating Jap air bases at Rabaul and Shortlands within striking range of Port Moresby along with the known Jap air base in the Madang area (probably Hansa Bay).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 7 scrambling) 5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes 49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes 35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes 475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: 49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling) Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 10000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes 35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling) Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes 475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling) Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 8000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: 49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling) Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes 35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling) Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 12000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes 475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling) Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 8000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 21000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: 49th FG/8th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes 35th FG/41st FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 98 minutes 475th FG/432nd FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 12000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

East China Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport W of Kyushu. AAR follows. Recent US patrol sub activity near the Japanese Home Islands has been operating on a reduced basis with many subs currently in the South Pacific providing patrol cover for the Port Moresby invasion.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,59 (SW of Nagasaki/Sasebo)

Shifting emphasis of US sub operations southward to support the Port Moresby invasion has reduced attacks on Jap transport shipping (and Japanese production). While it’s certainly necessary to deploy Allied submarines against Japanese transport shipping into the Home Islands (this still being done though at least temporarily on a reduced level), it’s not likely the use of US submarines on shipping routes to/from the Japanese Home Islands in this campaign (to date) has had any significant effect on Pillager’s ability to run the Japanese war economy. With the fall of China, Pillager has an available overland route for movement of oil and other items northward from the SRA. I’ve seen discussion in the forums on overland movement of oil, resources, fuel, etc through China from the SRA – however questionable the effectiveness of this overland movement is, it’s highly probable Pillager is using this to whatever extent he can (also bypassing much of the US submarine blockade). Transfer of US subs into the South Pacific has succeeded so far in effectively closing the Coral Sea area to the KB and Jap surface naval forces. Not necessarily giving up on a US sub blockade of the Japanese Home Islands but if subs can be more effectively employed on other missions (temporarily or otherwise), it will be done.

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield & port facilities fully operational, supply on hand 221K. Construction activity to expand Port Moresby airfield to maximum size is underway – 310 engineer squads and 67 engineer vehicles now engaged in this task. Current airfield size in Port Moresby is 5. Expansion of port facilities at Port Moresby has been deferred to begin after completion of a fully expanded airfield. A small number of fighter planes from US escort carrier squadrons from damaged/sunk CVE’s are still in Port Moresby – these being repaired then flown back to NE Australia and incorporated into re-organized air units.

Short to intermediate term plans in Port Moresby are to have a size 9 airfield in place and establish Allied air superiority over eastern New Guinea. As airfield size in Port Moresby increases, additional Allied fighter squadrons from NE Australia are planned to transfer into Port Moresby – followed eventually by bombers and other plane types. The immediate primary Allied objective in New Guinea being destruction of Japanese air forces.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

Small night raids by USAAF bombers on Buna and Lae airfields continue. Objective of the night raids are to maintain damage levels on both airfields and prevent (or hinder) Jap repair activity. Night airfield raids may be supplemented with daylight bombing strikes with escorted 4E bombers as required.

Combat Events report entry and AAR of Buna airfield strike follows.

4 x 38th BG/405th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Air attack on Buna, at 99,129

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes 14 planes vectored on to bombers 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 16 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes 16 planes vectored on to bombers 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 17 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes 21 planes vectored on to bombers 8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes 3 planes vectored on to bombers

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling) 7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling) 13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes 8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 16000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

No reported Jap naval air strikes or submarine activity in sea areas between Port Moresby and NE Australia.

Detected Japanese naval/transport activity into Lae and Buna this game turn continued without opposition by Allied air forces. Though I have all available airfields in NE Australia (including Portland Roads) expanded to maximum size and fully operational, there simply isn’t enough airfield capacity for all the planes. The result of this bottleneck requires prioritizing specific air mission(s) that are flown from these bases. The current priority air mission from NE Australia will be bombing missions (as required) to suppress Japanese airfields at Lae and Buna, followed by recon and naval air search over New Guinea and adjacent sea areas. These air missions are intended to facilitate expansion of Port Moresby airfield. Once fully expanded, additional Allied air units will be pushed forward into Port Moresby and other air missions can be resumed or increased in scale.

Other plans being examined include re-occupation of bases at Horn Island and Merauke (southern coast of New Guinea) with the intent of establishing fully expanded airfields and pushing still more Allied planes forward. Both bases remained in Allied control throughout this campaign.

Australia: US Escort Carrier force now re-formed with three TG (6 CVE total plus DD escorts). Two additional CVE (damaged in Port Moresby operations) remain in shipyard repair and expected to be fully operational in about 15 days. Air squadrons from CVE sunk off Port Moresby will be re-formed as LBA squadrons – these units projected to (at least initially) augment USN carrier pilot training.

It appears Pillager has the KB sortied again and now approaching New Guinea from the north (Truk), possibly to launch air strikes on Port Moresby. The naval air strike below originated from one or multiple Jap TF(s) at sea at the location shown on the situation map below (this observed during the game turn combat replay). This observation plus the Japanese planes participating in the action below indicating the air strike was most likely launched from KB carriers. Main US Carrier Force is preparing to sortie with the intent of hitting KB as it is hitting Port Moresby – launching this strike will depend on how and where Pillager is moving the KB. AAR and situation map follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on TF, at Port Moresby 98,130

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes 5 planes vectored on to bombers 8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Two Jap patrol subs detected in sea area S of Port Moresby, one sub intercepting a small Allied transport TF bound for Port Moresby. With the suspected presence of KB approaching New Guinea, the transport TF has aborted and is now returning to Australia. AAR follows.

Arrival of a series of convoys at New Zealand ports in quick succession has created a backup at the two ports (Auckland and Wellington) handling convoy arrivals – all available dock space is occupied at both ports, many ships unloading cargo in harbor (undocked). WP transport convoys are dispatched from the US West Coast on (more or less) regular intervals - spacing usually but not always maintained during their long transit. Convoys now arriving in New Zealand were pushed out from the mainland US during the initial Allied landing operations in Port Moresby. On average, 8-10 WP/PW convoys are in transit between the mainland US and South Pacific area at any given time moving in either direction – this rate an almost continuous flow of movement since mid to late-1942.

Sigint entry for 11/21 reports elements of Jap 46th Infantry Division are now located in Rabaul, this LCU transferred into Rabaul from the Japanese Home Islands. Previous reported location of 46 Division was at Osako/Kyoto on 9/06/43. There’s some possibility 46 Division is currently in the process of arriving at Rabaul.

Johnjohn (John) piping in. Historically the air-to-air loss ratio was 3-1 in favor of the allies in WWII. You are doing considerably better, not counting the mounting losses on the ground or from ops. In Korea, the ratio declined, thus leading to the development of TOP GUN and other fighter combat training (USAF had its school at Las Vegas, is still there) which led to a 13-1 success ratio in Korea. Of course, the advent of jet fighters had a lot to do with this too.

I evaluate my effectiveness on whether I am sustaining or exceeding the the 3-1 historic average. Thus far, I am. Mostly I am training up the pilots who enter around 50 EXP and move up to 70+ over time. The guys shooting in combat are all near or exceeding 70 with many well over 80. About one third of the over 80 crowd is in TRACOM. I replace them from time to time (essentially a swap out). As areas digress into less contested fronts, I am moving the top guns to training. John

PS-Most combat engaged squadrons have at least ten pilots who are aces. Nearly all have at least five active pilots of 80+ experience. Nearly 40 80+ pilots are in TRACOM, about 80 still in the squadrons.

Historically the air-to-air loss ratio was 3-1 in favor of the allies in WWII. You are doing considerably better, not counting the mounting losses on the ground or from ops.

One item I've factored into the air war "equation" is the increase in numbers of Japanese planes I expect to face in an AE campaign vs the historical numbers. What also has to be considered is a likely upgrade in Japanese plane quality in AE compared to historical. Both these factors a result of Japanese players' ability to control their industry - affecting the numbers and types of planes produced. Any good Japanese human player is going to make the best of the opportunity with whatever they have to work with. No pros or cons here, simply stating the literal fact.

That being said... An Allied player facing 20% more Japanese planes than historical numbers will probably have to destroy (at least) 20% more Japanese planes than historically to achieve an equivalent level of victory, this either in a single battle or over an entire campaign. Granted, a Japanese player can put only so many planes in front-line squadrons at a time, given an assumption the number and sizes of Japanese air squadrons in AE are the same as historical. The number of available Jap air squadrons does mitigate increased Japanese aircraft production to an extent, though it probably leaves the Japanese player with numerically larger replacement plane pools than his Allied counterpart, allowing him to replace plane losses in front-line squadrons at a faster rate assuming he has adequate numbers of replacement pilots to cover this. What I'm stating here may or may not be a totally accurate projection being somewhat less familiar with the Japanese side of the equation and I could be missing some other factor(s) relevant to this discussion.

For the Allied player, the task of winning an air war in AE can easily be a bit more daunting then historical. You're facing more and possibly better Japanese planes with the same (as historical) number and mix of Allied ones, plus a good probability of having to take down more Jap planes (compared to historical) to accomplish the same objective. It's a challenge but a certainly doable one. Adapting your forces, strategy and tactics to the situation.

Back to this campaign... While destroying Japanese planes on the ground addresses the "problem" of the numerical air superiority Pillager has had over Port Moresby and New Guinea, eliminating the airfields at Buna and Lae as operating bases was the actual solution. Another point to keep in mind is that (unlike air-to-air combat) destroying a Jap plane on the ground does not eliminate its pilot - it's "half a victory". Also true with most Jap planes destroyed as ops losses.

My longer term strategy in the air war is beginning to evolve based on experience at Port Moresby - the initial objective destruction of Pillager's Japanese LBA forces, leaving KB as the last remaining intact source of Japanese air power. Taking out KB at this stage of the campaign is completely optional. KB and its planes for now are a target of opportunity if and when the opportunity arises. At some point KB will be Pillager's last and best intact Japanese air force, possibly requiring him to employ KB in action at a place and time not of his choosing.

quote:

Mostly I am training up the pilots who enter around 50 EXP and move up to 70+ over time. The guys shooting in combat are all near or exceeding 70 with many well over 80. About one third of the over 80 crowd is in TRACOM. I replace them from time to time (essentially a swap out). As areas digress into less contested fronts, I am moving the top guns to training.

Current experience level of most pilots in my front-line squadrons is from the 50's up to about 65-70, a small but gradually increasing number over 70. All front-line pilots and pilots in the reserve pools awaiting assignment to front-line air squadrons are fully trained 70+ levels in multiple skill areas with a heavy emphasis on pilot training for specialized mission types. Bomber pilots (along with many front-line bomber squadrons) are specialized for either naval or ground attack missions - a given bomber squadron can be converted between ground and naval attack by swapping pilots and/or planes. Bombing specialization allowed me to create and employ an effective USAAF 2E skip bomber force, it has likely added to the effectiveness of Allied bombing raids on ground targets (especially airfields). I still have nearly all Allied air squadrons in rear-area bases on pilot training and project this trend to continue as long as rear-area squadrons exist. Pilot training as an industry. An Allied player in AE cannot produce more planes but the opportunity exists to produce more and better pilots.

I have not transferred pilots into TRACOM, though AE has moved a small number there. My current view of TRACOM is that it's an extension of the Reserve pilot pool, this view reinforced somewhat by what I've seen on this subject in the forums.

No spotting or any visible/detected activity from the KB contact reported last game turn. A number of US patrol subs are operating in sea areas near this contact – no reported interaction between any of these subs and Japanese ships or aircraft. The general alert for KB activity in the New Guinea area and NE Australia remains in effect for the moment. The US Main Carrier force has sortied and expected to shortly reach position to engage KB if a favorable attack opportunity presents itself.

Jap patrol sub visible on game map at hex location 94, 133 E of Portland Roads, no other reported Jap naval or submarine activity near New Guinea.

Daylight ground attack air strike launched by USAAF 4E bombers on known Japanese ground forces in Buna. The raid provided a significant amount of additional intelligence data on Jap LCU’s located in Buna. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on 47th Division, at 99,129 (Buna)

CAP engaged: 3rd Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes 265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes 63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes 73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

Two Japanese patrol subs visible on game map operating in sea area between New Guinea and NE Australia. One Jap sub is at hex location 98, 132 south of Port Moresby, a Catalina on naval air search reporting an oil slick in this hex. The second Jap submarine is off Portland Roads.

CAP engaged: Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 9000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes 6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 13000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes 265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes 63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes 73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

Japanese daylight raids over Port Moresby. Jap fighters participating in the actions below originated from Buna and Lae, indicating these airfields will have to be bombed continuously to keep them out of operation. AAR’s follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 8 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 21000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 13 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 24000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 14 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 23000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes 8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 11 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 19000 and 22000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 24000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. 6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 21730. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (4 airborne, 3 on standby, 14 scrambling) 4 plane(s) intercepting now. 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 23000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes 8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling) 8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 22000 and 27000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes 49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 17000 and 25000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling) 8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 20000 and 26000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes 8th FG/80th FS with P-38H Lightning (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. 4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 22000 and 28000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub (SS Plunger) hit in attack by Ki-51 air patrol SW of Nagoya (hex location 110, 62). Reported damage to SS Plunger is system 30, float 8, engine 4, sub returning to base at 17 kts. Heavy Jap air patrol activity reported by other US patrol subs off the Japanese Home Islands – most planes in these contacts identified as Ki-49 Helens.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 11/23 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Jap planes based there also ship(s) in port, airfield size 3(1), port size 4(3). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed in Tabiteuea.

South Pacific: Convoy WP-103 (1 APA, 10 LST) arriving in New Zealand from Panama with 20K supply cargo – ships are incoming reinforcements sent directly from Balboa. All ships in WP-103 are remaining in South Pacific theatre for future assignment.

Transport convoy WP-110 (27 ships) arriving in New Zealand from the mainland US. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 133K supply and 25K fuel, no air units or LCU.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon – no Japanese ships in port, no Jap TF (-4 from last report), 84 aircraft (all fighters), 12 Jap LCU’s (-2 from last report), light industry 9(32), refinery 109(92). A total of 4 Jap LCU have departed Rangoon in the last two game turns.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 104 aircraft (all fighters), 23 Jap LCU (+2 from last report), oil production 132(169), refinery 97(4). Number of Jap LCU in Magwe has increased by 4 in the last two game turns.

CAP engaged: 78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Raid is overhead 281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes 70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes 73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes 246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 4 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes 6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes 265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes 63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

Manchuria: Sigint entry for 11/25 reports Jap 40th Infantry Division now located at Yenki in border area near Vladivostok. A small number of Sigint report entries have indicated Pillager was possibly transferring some LCU from the China Army northward toward Manchuria or the Russian frontier, also a few instances of Jap LCU being prepped for objectives in the USSR. 40 Division had participated in the Chungking battles. My current estimate does not anticipate Pillager launching a Japanese ground attack on the USSR. Intelligence data from Sigint and other sources indicate most of Pillager's Jap LCU transfers from the China Army are bound for or already located in the Pacific theatres - a small number of units from China also moved southward to Burma.

CAP engaged: VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 9 scrambling) 2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 24000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes 348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 15000 and 25000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes 348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 15 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 24000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling) 5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 18000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes 348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling) 11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 21920. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes 348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. 13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 25000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Port Moresby, at 98,130

CAP engaged: 35th FG/39th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 16000 and 25000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes 348th FG/340th FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling) 11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 19840 and 27000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes 348th FG/342nd FS with P-47D2 Thunderbolt (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling) 10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 13000 and 27000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes VMF-311 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling) 8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters between 11000 and 24000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

CAP engaged: Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Raid is overhead 6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes 265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes 281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes 63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes 70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes 73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes 246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 4 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes 248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

CAP engaged: Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes 6th Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes 265 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes 63rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 1 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes 281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes 70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes 73rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes 246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters to 7000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 128 minutes 248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

Southwest Pacific: Current status of Port Moresby base – airfield size now 7, supply on hand 208K. Reduction of Japanese air strikes on Port Moresby base has significantly lowered supply point consumption at Port Moresby – this even factoring in construction activity to expand airfield facilities.

Summary of this game turn’s aircraft losses over all locations in New Guinea.

CAP engaged: Tainan Ku S-1/B with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 15000, scrambling fighters to 6000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes 2 planes vectored on to bombers 3rd Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 25000, scrambling fighters to 6000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes 2 planes vectored on to bombers 6th Ku S-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes 246th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes 248th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling) 13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 36740. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes 19 planes vectored on to bombers 78th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 9000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes 1 planes vectored on to bombers 281 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 5000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes 1 planes vectored on to bombers 70th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling) 7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 8000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes 8 planes vectored on to bombers

Central Pacific: A second day of intercepted Jap radio transmissions (heavy volume) from Truk reported in a 11/27 Sigint entry. Detected status of Truk shows no change from last game turn. This situation a possible indicator Pillager could be issuing a significant number of Japanese orders at Truk – either related to the base itself or orders being issued to Japanese forces (air, naval and/or ground) located in Truk.

Pillager launches Jap bombing raid on Portland Roads airfield. Current status of Portland Roads has runway damage 54, airfield service damage 18. Japanese bombers in these raids believed to originate from size 6(6) airfield at Hansa Bay – Pillager was previously using this airfield to launch air strikes on Port Moresby. AAR’s follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132